Rumor: Josh Smith to LA Lakers?
Quote:
NBA Trade Rumors – Josh Smith to LA Lakers?
August 13, 2012 03:45 AM EDT
The LA Lakers just made the biggest trade of the NBA off-season, but is the front office finished making moves this summer?

The LA Times reported that the team was looking at trading veteran Pau Gasol to the Atlanta Hawks for Josh Smith a few weeks ago and now that the Lakers have added Dwight Howard, making a deal for his AAU playing partner could make this a complete team.

The Lakers have struggled to find a quality small forward for years and acquiring the young Smith could have this team contending for several titles. Gasol had a terrific summer playing for Spain in the Olympics, but his playoff struggles have fans and the team questioning his heart, but a move to Atlanta would breathe new life in the veteran and give the Hawks the experience they need.

This deal would require both teams to make a tough decision, but swapping these two forwards would actually help both franchises. The Hawks would get the veteran they need to lead their youngsters and the LA Lakers would add a younger player that could play alongside Howard for several years, especially now that Kobe Bryant is entering the twilight of his NBA career.

While nothing concrete about this rumor is happening, this trade is one that could really change the landscape of the league and make fans of both cities excited about the upcoming basketball season.

Pau value comes with his offense and him being an insurance policy (can and has flourished playing center) just incase Dwight isn't ready for the start of the year and has to work his way back into game shape